Journal Management

Our journals utilize the Open Journal Systems (OJS) platform, developed by the Public Knowledge Project (PKP), to streamline and enhance the management and publication of scholarly content. OJS supports every stage of the publishing workflow—from manuscript submission to online publication and indexing—while promoting transparency, efficiency, and open access.

Key Features of OJS

Publication Process

Our journals follow a transparent and rigorous publication workflow to ensure the quality and integrity of published research. Managed by experienced editorial teams and supported by international reviewers, our process upholds the highest standards of academic publishing. All journals operate on an open-access model, making research freely accessible to a global audience.

Steps in the Publication Process

• Manuscript Submission: Authors submit their manuscripts online through the submission system provided on each journal's website. Submissions must follow the respective formatting and structural guidelines.
• Initial Screening: The editorial team evaluates each submission to check for relevance, adherence to submission guidelines, and basic quality standards before proceeding to review.
• Peer Review: Manuscripts that pass the screening stage undergo a double-blind peer review by subject matter experts. Reviewers assess the originality, significance, and scientific soundness of the research.
• Editorial Decision: Based on the reviewers' feedback, the editorial team decides whether to accept the paper, request revisions, or reject it. Decisions may include minor revisions, major revisions, or direct acceptance/rejection.
• Revision: Authors are invited to address the reviewers’ comments and resubmit their revised manuscript for further evaluation.
• Final Approval and Publication: After satisfactory revisions, the manuscript is approved and published online, making it available to the global research community.

Quality and Timelines

All journals under our platform follow a double-blind peer review process to ensure fairness and objectivity. Author and reviewer identities are kept confidential throughout the review. The typical duration for the peer review process is 6–8 weeks. Constructive feedback provided by reviewers helps authors improve their manuscripts, enhancing overall research quality.

Peer-Review Policy and Editorial Process

Our journals are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of scholarly publishing. To ensure the quality, credibility, and relevance of the research we publish, all submissions undergo a structured and rigorous peer-review process. This process supports academic integrity, fosters scientific advancement, and maintains editorial excellence across all subject areas.

The Peer-Review Process

1. Submission Review: All submitted manuscripts undergo an initial review by the editorial team to ensure they meet the journal’s formatting guidelines and fall within the scope of the journal.
2. Reviewer Assignment: The Editor-in-Chief or assigned editor selects reviewers with appropriate expertise in the manuscript’s subject area to ensure informed and fair evaluation.
3. Double-Blind Evaluation: A double-blind review system is followed, where both author and reviewer identities are kept confidential to ensure unbiased and objective assessment.
4. Manuscript Evaluation: Reviewers evaluate the originality, significance, methodology, data interpretation, and contribution to the field. Constructive feedback and recommendations are provided to support manuscript improvement.
5. Editorial Decision: The editor considers reviewers’ reports to make a decision—acceptance, minor or major revision, resubmission, or rejection.
6. Author Revisions: Authors are given the opportunity to revise their manuscript in response to reviewer comments. Revisions are expected to address the feedback thoroughly and improve the clarity and quality of the paper.
7. Editorial Oversight: The peer-review process is supervised by the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board to ensure fairness, transparency, and alignment with the journal’s editorial policies.
8. Transparency and Feedback: Authors are provided with reviewer comments and editorial decisions. Feedback from both authors and reviewers is encouraged to help refine and enhance the peer-review process.

Commitment to Quality

The peer-review process is at the core of our publishing standards. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the scientific rigor and integrity of published work. Our editorial teams remain committed to continuous improvement and fostering academic excellence across all disciplines.

Reviewer Policy

Reviewers are essential to maintaining the quality, credibility, and academic standards of our journals. Their evaluations ensure that published research meets the expectations of the global academic community. This Reviewer Policy outlines the principles and responsibilities expected from reviewers contributing to our peer review process.

Reviewer Responsibilities

1. Expertise and Objectivity: Reviewers are selected based on their subject-matter expertise to ensure qualified evaluation of submitted manuscripts. They are expected to provide objective, unbiased assessments focusing on the quality, clarity, originality, and significance of the research.
2. Confidentiality: All content under review must be treated as confidential. Reviewers must not share, discuss, or disclose any manuscript details outside the review process without prior permission from the editorial team.
3. Timely Review: Reviewers are expected to submit their evaluations within the agreed timeframe to support efficient processing and publication. Prompt feedback helps maintain a smooth editorial workflow and timely communication with authors.
4. Constructive Evaluation: Review comments should be respectful, detailed, and focused on helping authors improve their work. Reviewers should identify strengths, suggest improvements, and offer recommendations to enhance the manuscript’s quality and clarity.
5. Ethical Conduct: Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest and refrain from reviewing in such cases. They should also notify the editorial team if they identify issues such as plagiarism, data manipulation, or ethical breaches within a submission.
6. Recognition: We value and appreciate the contribution of reviewers. Journals may acknowledge reviewer efforts through formal recognition such as certificates of appreciation or acknowledgment in publications, where applicable.

Commitment to Academic Integrity

By adhering to this policy, reviewers support the integrity and excellence of our publication process. Their dedication ensures that only high-quality, ethically sound research is published—contributing meaningfully to academic progress and knowledge sharing.

Publication Ethics

Our journals are committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics. We follow the guidelines and best practices outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity throughout the editorial and publication process.

About COPE

The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) provides essential support to editors and publishers in managing ethical issues related to academic publishing. Founded in 1997 by medical journal editors to address misconduct such as plagiarism and redundant publication, COPE has since evolved into a recognized authority offering guidance on ethical standards across scholarly disciplines.

COPE’s Role and Guidance

While COPE does not directly investigate individual cases, it offers resources, recommendations, and a structured code of conduct to assist editorial teams in navigating ethical challenges. These guidelines help ensure that the publication process remains fair, transparent, and aligned with global best practices.

COPE Forum and Support

A key feature of COPE's work is the COPE Forum—a quarterly event where editors can present anonymized ethical cases for discussion and receive expert advice. In addition, COPE offers confidential support through consultations with its officers to help resolve complex ethical issues in academic publishing.

Our Commitment

By aligning our publication practices with COPE’s principles, we reinforce our dedication to ethical publishing. This commitment safeguards the credibility of the research we publish and promotes responsible scholarly communication across all disciplines.

Plagiarism Policy

Our journals are committed to upholding academic honesty and ethical publishing practices. Plagiarism is treated as a serious violation that compromises the credibility of scholarly work. This policy outlines our approach to identifying, preventing, and addressing plagiarism to ensure the originality and integrity of published research.

Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism refers to presenting another individual's work, ideas, or intellectual content as one’s own without proper acknowledgment. This includes but is not limited to:

i. Direct Copying: Reproducing text or content from another source without appropriate citation or quotation marks.
ii. Paraphrasing Without Credit: Restating someone else's work in different words without proper attribution.
iii. Unauthorized Use: Using images, data, tables, or figures without permission or acknowledgment.
iv. Self-Plagiarism: Reusing significant portions of one’s previously published work without disclosure or proper citation.

Plagiarism Detection

All submitted manuscripts undergo plagiarism screening through advanced detection tools and manual evaluation. Any identified cases of plagiarism during the editorial review may lead to rejection or a request for revision with proper citation.

Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are responsible for submitting original work and ensuring accurate citation of all referenced materials. They must:

i. Cite all sources appropriately and acknowledge borrowed content.
ii. Use quotation marks and references when quoting directly.
iii. Properly paraphrase and credit original sources.
iv. Obtain necessary permissions for third-party copyrighted materials.
v. Disclose previous publications and avoid reusing content without proper reference.

Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers play a vital role in maintaining publication standards. They are expected to:

i. Be alert to possible plagiarism and notify the editorial team of concerns.
ii. Maintain the confidentiality of reviewed materials.
iii. Report suspected misconduct, including plagiarism or duplicate submissions.

Actions Against Plagiarism

In the event that plagiarism is detected, the following actions may be taken based on the severity of the case:

i. Rejection of the manuscript or retraction if already published.
ii. Temporary ban on future submissions by the author(s).
iii. Notification of the misconduct to the affiliated institution(s).
iv. Publication bans across all journals under our platform in severe or repeated cases.

Plagiarism Complaints

We take all plagiarism complaints seriously. If any individual suspects plagiarism in a published article, they are encouraged to contact the editorial office with relevant evidence. A formal review will be conducted, and appropriate action will follow based on our policies.

Commitment to Ethical Publishing

Our journals follow ethical practices aligned with global standards, including the UGC policy (D.O.No.F.1-18/2010, Dated-6th August 2018) and COPE guidelines. We are dedicated to promoting academic integrity and supporting a culture of responsible research publication.

Open Access Policy

Our journals are committed to advancing open access to scholarly knowledge and promoting inclusive, global participation in research. This Open Access Policy highlights our dedication to providing free and unrestricted access to published content, supporting the principles of open science and knowledge equity.

What is Open Access?

Open Access (OA) refers to the immediate and free availability of scholarly literature online, without financial, legal, or technical barriers. It empowers researchers, students, institutions, and the public to access, share, and build upon academic work without restriction—thereby enhancing the global impact and visibility of research.

How We Implement Open Access

Publication Model: All our journals operate under a full open-access model through Open Journal Systems (OJS), ensuring that all published articles are freely accessible to all users.

Author Rights: Authors retain copyright of their work and grant the publisher a non-exclusive license to publish and distribute the article.

Creative Commons Licensing: Articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits reuse, distribution, adaptation, and building upon the work, provided appropriate credit is given.

Benefits of Open Access

Global Reach: Freely accessible content ensures that knowledge is available to readers around the world, including those in underserved or resource-limited regions.

Increased Visibility: Open access enhances discoverability, leading to higher citation rates and greater recognition for authors and their work.

Accelerated Innovation: Removing access barriers facilitates knowledge transfer, supports collaboration, and accelerates scientific and technological progress.

Commitment to Open Science

We support the principles of the Budapest Open Access Initiative (BOAI) and the Berlin Declaration on Open Access. Our commitment to open access aligns with global efforts to improve transparency, accessibility, and collaboration in academic publishing.

Why It Matters

By embracing open-access publishing, our journals contribute to a more equitable and efficient scholarly ecosystem. Unlike many subscription-based platforms, we ensure that research remains accessible to everyone—encouraging innovation and maximizing the societal value of academic work.

Article Processing Charges

Understanding Article Processing Charges

Article Processing Charges (APC) represent publication fees that authors or their affiliated institutions pay to support the comprehensive costs associated with scholarly publication. These charges ensure the sustainability and quality of our publishing operations across all our journals.

The APC framework covers essential publication services including:

• Comprehensive manuscript evaluation and processing
• Rigorous peer review coordination and management
• Professional editorial oversight and quality assurance
• Digital Object Identifier (DOI) registration and allocation
• Final publication formatting and distribution
• Long-term digital preservation and accessibility

Current APC Structure

Our journals maintain a transparent and affordable pricing structure designed to accommodate researchers from diverse geographical and academic backgrounds:

Author Category	APC (INR)	APC (USD)
Domestic Authors	₹2,000	$23
International Authors	₹4,500	$60
Undergraduate & Postgraduate Students	₹1,500	$18

Competitive Advantage

Our journals offer significantly more economical publication options compared to traditional Scopus-indexed publications and UGC CARE listed journals, making quality research publication accessible to a broader academic community without compromising editorial standards.

Value Proposition

The APC investment supports our comprehensive publication ecosystem, which includes:

• Expert manuscript handling and processing workflows
• Multi-stage peer review with qualified subject matter experts
• Professional editorial management and quality control
• Persistent digital identification through DOI assignment
• Professional publication formatting and online distribution
• Ongoing technical support and accessibility maintenance

Financial Assistance Program

We recognize that financial constraints should not impede scholarly communication. Authors experiencing financial hardship may request publication fee waivers through our editorial support system. Each waiver application undergoes individual assessment based on established criteria and editorial board approval.

To apply for financial assistance, please contact our editorial team at editor@iivp.org with your waiver request and supporting documentation.

Article Withdrawal Policy

Our Commitment to Publication Ethics

Our journals maintain unwavering dedication to the highest standards of scholarly publication ethics, operating in full compliance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) international guidelines. All authors contributing to our publications are expected to uphold these ethical standards, particularly regarding manuscript withdrawal protocols and responsible authorship practices.

Exclusive Publication Rights

Upon manuscript submission to our journals, authors automatically grant exclusive first publication rights to our publishing platform. Consequently, any withdrawal requests, particularly those submitted after manuscripts have progressed through peer review or reached acceptance status, must strictly adhere to our established ethical protocols and procedural requirements.

Formal Withdrawal Request Process

Authors seeking manuscript withdrawal must complete the following mandatory steps:

• Submit withdrawal requests exclusively through the designated corresponding author
• Provide comprehensive signed declarations from all contributing co-authors confirming unanimous withdrawal consent
• Include detailed justification explaining the specific reasons necessitating withdrawal
• Submit formal requests directly to our editorial offices through official communication channels
• Await formal editorial approval before considering the manuscript officially withdrawn

Partial Processing Charges for Withdrawn Manuscripts

Manuscripts withdrawn following the commencement of peer review processes or after receiving provisional acceptance are subject to 50% of the standard Article Processing Charge (APC). This partial fee structure helps offset editorial resources, peer reviewer compensation, and administrative expenses already invested in the manuscript evaluation process.

Unethical Withdrawal Through Non-Responsiveness

Authors who fail to maintain appropriate communication with our editorial teams following peer review completion or provisional acceptance notifications will face consequences for unethical withdrawal. This includes:

• Ignoring editorial correspondence regarding manuscript revisions
• Failing to respond to publication agreement requests
• Abandoning manuscripts without formal withdrawal notification
• Providing inadequate responses to editorial queries or requirements

Consequences of Unethical Withdrawal Practices

Unethical withdrawal behaviors, including unauthorized resubmission to alternative publications or failure to follow proper withdrawal protocols, result in serious academic and professional consequences:

• Publication Restrictions: Complete ineligibility to submit manuscripts to our journals for a minimum period of five years
• Institutional Notification: Formal communication to authors' affiliated academic institutions, research organizations, and administrative bodies
• Funding Agency Alerts: Notification to relevant grant-providing organizations and research funding agencies
• Academic Oversight Reporting: Communication to appropriate academic supervision and oversight committees
• Indexing Service Notification: Reporting to relevant indexing, abstracting, and bibliographic database services
• COPE Escalation: Formal reporting to the Committee on Publication Ethics for cases involving severe ethical misconduct

Adherence to International Publication Standards

Our journals operate under strict compliance with COPE's internationally recognized standards for ethical publication practices. We strongly encourage all prospective authors to thoroughly review COPE's comprehensive guidelines regarding manuscript withdrawal procedures, responsible authorship practices, and ethical research communication prior to manuscript submission.

Copyrights Policy

Understanding Copyright in Academic Publishing

Copyright serves as a cornerstone of intellectual property protection, safeguarding the integrity and authenticity of scholarly communications. Within the academic publishing ecosystem, copyright frameworks are essential for protecting authors' creative works while enabling appropriate dissemination of research findings across our journals.

Fundamental Copyright Principles

Copyright law grants authors comprehensive exclusive rights over their original scholarly contributions, encompassing research articles, scientific papers, and other academic works. These rights include:

• Reproduction Control: Authority over copying and duplication of published works
• Distribution Management: Oversight of how content is shared and circulated
• Adaptation Rights: Control over modifications, translations, and derivative works
• Public Display: Management of how content is presented in public forums

Our journals operate under a structured copyright framework that balances author rights with publication requirements, ensuring both protection and accessibility of scholarly content.

Copyright Framework Comparison

Our copyright policies align with industry standards while maintaining competitive advantages:

• Scopus-Indexed Publications: Like many established Scopus-indexed journals, our publications maintain copyright ownership for published content. However, copyright policies may vary significantly across different publishers and individual journals. Authors should carefully review specific copyright terms for each publication they consider.
• UGC CARE Listed Journals: Publications included in the UGC CARE database, including our journals, typically retain copyright for published materials. The University Grants Commission may establish additional guidelines or requirements regarding copyright and permissions for journals within their recognized database. Authors should remain informed about specific UGC policies that may impact their publication choices.

Author Rights and Journal Copyright Ownership

Our journals maintain a balanced approach to intellectual property rights that respects author contributions while ensuring proper content protection:

Copyright ownership for all published materials resides with our journals, which enables us to:

• Ensure comprehensive protection of published content against unauthorized use
• Facilitate proper citation and attribution practices
• Manage permissions for legitimate academic and educational purposes
• Maintain quality control over content reproduction and distribution
• Provide long-term preservation and accessibility of scholarly works

Permission Requests and Copyright Inquiries

We maintain an open and responsive approach to copyright-related communications and permission requests. Our editorial team is available to assist with various copyright matters including:

• Content reuse permissions for educational purposes
• Research reproduction requests for academic projects
• Citation and attribution guidance
• Copyright policy clarifications and interpretations
• Licensing arrangements for commercial applications
• Derivative work permissions and limitations

For all copyright inquiries, permission requests, or policy clarifications, please contact our dedicated support team at permissions@iivp.org or reach out to our editorial office at editor@iivp.org.

Our Commitment to Transparent Copyright Practices

Our journals prioritize transparency, fairness, and accessibility in all copyright-related matters. We strive to:

• Maintain clear and understandable copyright policies
• Respond promptly to permission requests and inquiries
• Balance author rights with publication requirements
• Ensure appropriate protection of published scholarly content
• Facilitate legitimate academic and educational use of published materials

Privacy Statement

Our Commitment to Data Privacy and Security

The protection and confidentiality of personal information represent fundamental priorities across all our journal publications. We maintain unwavering dedication to safeguarding the privacy rights of authors, reviewers, editors, and all users who interact with our publishing platforms.

Data Collection and Usage Principles

Personal information submitted through our journal platforms, including but not limited to names, email addresses, institutional affiliations, and contact details, is collected and utilized exclusively for legitimate publication-related purposes. Our data usage encompasses:

• Manuscript Processing: Managing submission, review, and publication workflows
• Editorial Communication: Facilitating correspondence between authors, reviewers, and editorial teams
• Publication Services: Coordinating peer review processes and publication activities
• Academic Networking: Enabling appropriate scholarly communication and collaboration
• Technical Support: Providing platform assistance and user support services

Strict Non-Disclosure Policy

We maintain absolute commitment to data confidentiality and will never disclose, sell, rent, or share personal information with third parties for commercial, marketing, or any unauthorized purposes. Personal data remains strictly within our secure publishing ecosystem and is accessed only by authorized personnel for legitimate editorial and publication functions.

Comprehensive Data Protection Standards

Our journals operate under rigorous data protection frameworks that exceed industry standards:

• Regulatory Compliance: Full adherence to applicable data protection regulations and standards
• Encryption Protocols: Advanced encryption methods for data transmission and storage
• Access Controls: Restricted access permissions limited to authorized personnel only
• Regular Security Audits: Ongoing assessment and enhancement of security measures
• Data Minimization: Collection limited to information essential for publication services
• Retention Policies: Systematic data management with appropriate retention periods

Privacy Regulation Compliance

Our privacy practices align with international data protection frameworks, ensuring comprehensive protection for all users:

• Adherence to global data protection standards and regulations
• Compliance with applicable regional privacy legislation
• Industry-specific privacy standards for academic publishing
• Regular updates to meet evolving privacy requirements

User Rights and Data Control

We respect and support user rights regarding personal data management, including:

• Access Rights: Ability to request information about collected personal data
• Correction Rights: Options to update or correct personal information
• Deletion Rights: Requests for data removal where legally permissible
• Portability Rights: Data export capabilities for legitimate purposes
• Objection Rights: Ability to object to certain data processing activities

Ongoing Privacy Enhancement

We continuously evaluate and enhance our privacy protection measures to address evolving security challenges and regulatory requirements. Our commitment includes regular policy updates, staff training, and implementation of emerging privacy technologies to ensure maximum protection of user information.